Page 12 of Grulen

“It’s difficult to say, as we have not reached such a point before.I estimate a minimum of sixlunarsand hope we would have our answers within twosolars.”

“What if you discover humans are compatible?Will you be invading Earth and taking women?”Morgan crossed her arms.

“I’ve known King Sovex all his life.While I can’t guarantee what he would ultimately decide, historically his preferred method of addressing issues is negotiation and consensus, not force and might.”

“I need time to think about it.”

“Of course.Naxxar, please provide Lady Morgan with a tablet with Svesti history for the past century, as well as general information, such as Costonian geography, customs, food, and similar things that she might find helpful in her determination.”

“As you wish.”

“Lady Morgan, I look forward to your decision.”

“Wait.Could you purchase my other human friends, too?”

A sad look crossed the female’s faded bronze features.

“Unfortunately, we cannot at this time.If we discover humans are compatible, then I can make the case to the King and Council that we should make efforts to retrieve any humans in danger, but without such assurances, I doubt I would be authorized the credits to do so.”

“I understand.”I don’t like it, but I get it.

Chapter 4

Six weeks earlier

April 2, 2037(Earth calendar)

Invictus(Svesti space cruiser)

Eating his morning meal in the dining area, Grulen enjoyed hisbrellia, a pastry filled with groundmaxiemmeat—rumik.Small bits oflobilewith chopped spicy vegetables accompanied thebrellia.The warriors around him spoke excitedly about the human females who boarded from Earth yesterday.Speculation about their species had been the main topic of conversation forlunarsas theInvictusgathered data on the planet and the species from orbit.Commander Durek negotiated for six human females to accompany them back to Costonia for a Choosing at the King’s Court.

Naroons.If there’s going to be a Choosing for breeding or troth contracts, then that means it will be nobles, not lowly warriors who have a chance for young with these females.

He looked up when Lieutenant Brauvix, a bridge communications officer, escorted them into the dining area.He noted most seemed to be dressed in what he now knew to be pants called jeans and comfortable footwear and shirts.Part of him was amazed at the variety of shapes and sizes of the females.None of their skin tones were exactly the same and their hair and eyes were different.I wonder if any would be interested in pleasure mating during the two lunars it will take us to return home.

When Brauvix left them to gather food, Grulen stood and put the remains of his meal in the recycler.When they sat in the Svesti-sized chairs and laughed with each other.He smiled in amusement.None of their feet can reach the floor.They’re so small.

“Females, may I introduce myself?My name is Grulen Jevax of House Midnar.Welcome aboard theInvictus.Your presence honors our warriors.”

“Oh, my,” said a female with darker skin and brown curly hair and eyes.“It’s nice to meet you, Mr.Jevax.”She pointed to herself and each of the other females as she spoke.“I’m Emmy Norton.This is Talia Sullivan, Rachel Llewellyn, Lin Chang, Natasha Petrov, and Ava Taylor.”

“Jevax,” Brauvix growled as he approached with a large tray of foods.“Do not bother the females.”

“Lieutenant Brauvix, I only introduced myself.”Grulen widened his brown eyes.“I was unaware that I should not do so.”

“Nothing untoward happened, Lieutenant.Mr.Jevax was just being friendly,” Lady Talia said.She was an older female with pale skin, reddish-brown hair and brown eyes.She appeared more rounded than Lady Emmy who seemed wired with energy.

Brauvix nodded.“There are many nuances to Svesti behavior, Ambassador.It would be best to limit your interactions with the crew until you have been briefed or received an educational pack via the med bay.”Ambassador?So she’s in charge?

“Hmmm,” said the tall blond female with blue eyes.“Interesting.Have we accidentally agreed to something by exchanging names?”That female has the alert readiness of a warrior about her.

“Hardly, Lady Rachel,” Grulen said.“I offer my services to teach any of you whatever you would like to know about Svesti males.”He spread his arms, palms open, and grinned widely.

Lady Rachel looked at Lady Talia.“Did he just…?”

“Certainly sounded like it, but then, who knows?”Lady Talia shrugged.

“Jevax, enough!Do you not have duties this morning?”Brauvix stared at the other male.

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